Algal Consortiums: A Novel and Integrated Approach for Wastewater Treatment

Urbanization, industrialization and other human-related activities discharge various inorganic organic toxic compounds into the environment. Many physical, chemical biological methods have been practiced, to treat contaminated wastewater: among these, method of wastewater treatment by utilizing algae has reviewed widely. However, removal efficacy monoculture is low, as compared consortium systems. The presence microorganisms such fungi or bacteria in can establish relationships, mutualism symbiosis with algae, which help from wastewater, thus acting a system. Heterotrophic segregate natural matter, released form dissolved carbon, releases carbon dioxide, utilized for photosynthesis. In accordance existing studies, microalgal consortiums occurring naturally crafted artificially be treatment; therefore, present review provides an outline symbiotic relationships between microorganisms, their applications treatment. Various mechanisms—such mutualism, commensalism parasitism—for different pollutants systems elucidated this review; moreover, addresses challenges that are restricting large-scale implementation these consortiums, demanding more research enable enhanced commercialization.